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GSN Review: Montanya Rum

Although rum is often associated with the Caribbean, Montanya Distillers, a craft rum distillery located high in the Rocky Mountains, is breaking that notion. Using high elevation to its advantage, Montanya crafts flavors you can’t create at sea level.

Montanya Distillers, located in Crested Butte, Colo., uses old-world artisan traditions, combining science with art. By using just four natural American ingredients, Montanya has created aged rums that have been awarded 18 Gold and Silver medals in international competitions. These rums reflect both Montanya Distillers’ mountain culture and a new American rum tradition. Montanya produces Platino Light rum, Oro Dark rum, and a brand new, longer-aged, limited-edition rum called The Exclusiva (not sent for review).

Karen Hoskin, president and co-founder of Montanya says, “Everything in our rum is hand-crafted and originates from the U.S., including the non-GMO sugar cane, which we get from Louisiana farmers, and even the bottles and non-plastic synthetic corks. Rum is so versatile and we look forward to learning how people are using our rum to break it out of the stereotypical boxes rum often finds itself in.” Montanya was named the 2013 Craft Distillery of the Year by the American Distilling Institute.

Platino (80 proof)Visual: Clear.Nose: Slight vanilla sweetness with an overlay of minerality.Taste: Some marshmallow and vanillin with a soft, almost chalky mouthfeel. More body than a typical light rum, which translates into more pronounced flavors. Quite balanced and smooth with a chewy heft.Finish: Medium long with the mineral notes lingering long after the sweetness has dissipated.Overall: A solid white rum that is perfect for Daiquiris and summery cocktails.GSN Rating: A-

Oro (80 proof)Visual: Deep gold.Nose: A grassy funk similar to a mild tequila greets the nose. A decent amount of smoked wood adds to the palette.Taste: Amazingly smooth and rich with creme brulee and toffee notes. The char keeps things from going in the too sweet direction and adds lushness to the mouthfeel.Finish: Medium long with the minerals staying around long after the part has ended.Overall: The trouble-making sibling of the Platino. This rum has a slightly more rustic and playful edge. Great for darker rum cocktails that call for a smokier quality. Very nice indeed.GSN Rating: A